The Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, held a press conference this Friday on the occasion of the launch of the 28th International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL). He notably indicated that African literature, guest of honor at the previous edition, will still be present in force in 2023, scheduled from June 1 to 11 at the OLM Souissi space in Rabat.
“African literature will be present in force through a large stand during this 28th edition which will be enhanced by the presence of a special guest, in this case the Nigerian writer, Wole Soyinka, the first African winner of the Nobel Prize (1986 )”, said the minister.
In this sense, he stressed that the presence of this eminent cultural and literary figure at SIEL alongside other distinguished personalities from the Continent who travel to Morocco on the occasion of the many cultural events organized in the Kingdom, constitutes a consecration of the strong presence of Morocco in Africa, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.
It should be noted that African literature was the guest of honor at the SIEL 2022 edition as part of the celebration of “Rabat, African Capital of Culture”.
Recall that the 28th SIEL, held under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI, is organized in partnership with the Wilaya of the region of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and the Council of the region of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra. It will be marked by the presence of Quebec (Canada) as a special guest and by the participation of 737 exhibitors, including 287 direct exhibitors and 450 indirect exhibitors, from 51 countries.
On the program for this edition, there are several cultural events, with the participation of 661 Moroccan and foreign writers, intellectuals and poets around 221 meetings, in addition to the establishment of a space specially dedicated to children, offering a wide range of workshops and scientific and cultural activities designed to strengthen children’s relationship with learning and books.